Not every printed graphic lives the same life.
A wall graphic inside a commercial space faces different conditions than a fleet graphic on the road or a fine art canvas displayed in a gallery. That's why choosing a coating shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all decision.
Using more protection than an application requires can add unnecessary cost. Too little protection for a demanding environment can lead to premature wear, damage, or costly reprints.
The goal is simple: match the level of protection to what the finished graphic will actually face.
Start with the environment and end use.
Will the graphic be exposed to sunlight or moisture? Could it encounter frequent handling, abrasion, cleaning chemicals, or graffiti? Does the material need to remain flexible after coating?
Marabu coatings, including ClearShield® Select, ClearJet®, and Mara® Shield, are designed for different substrates, print technologies, applications, and environmental demands, with options that can provide resistance to:
Which properties matter most depends on the application. Fine art and canvas may prioritize flexibility and appearance, while public-facing signage may require greater resistance to abrasion, cleaning, or graffiti. Fleet graphics, banners, wallcoverings, glass, and rigid displays bring different considerations.
More protection isn't automatically better protection. Using a coating designed for demanding conditions on a relatively simple application may add unnecessary cost. On the other hand, under-protecting a graphic exposed to weather, abrasion, chemicals, or frequent handling could shorten its useful life.
Making that decision before production begins turns coating selection into part of planning the job rather than an afterthought at the finishing stage.
Marabu offers water-based, solvent-based, and UV-curable solutions, allowing you to choose based on the substrate, ink, application, and environment instead of relying on one coating for every project.
Choosing the appropriate coating comes down to understanding what the finished graphic will encounter and selecting protection accordingly.
Need help narrowing down the options? LexJet can help you match your print application with the right Marabu coating. Contact a Customer Specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com.
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